Colfe’s Sixth Form is made up of approximately 170 students (90 in Year 12 and 80 in Year 13). We teach a large range of ‘ A’ level subjects which we believe that very few schools in London can match. Results are consistently very good; this summer approximately 70% of our A level entries were graded A or B. The vast majority of our current Year 11 students are expected to continue into the Sixth Form; however, we do welcome applications for Year 12 from external students at both state and independent schools. Those wishing to apply for a place for next September are advised to do so before the end of October but applications can be considered after this date.
An Overview of the Sixth Form
Colfe's offers an impressive range of academic opportunities for our year 12 and 13 students. There is a wide choice of academic subjects from which students may select their ‘A’ levels. This includes traditional disciplines like chemistry, history and mathematics as well as newer subjects like media studies, psychology and politics. Students are advised as to the subject combinations that best suit their likely university and career choices, and how to retain breadth and keep options open while achieving an appropriate degree of specialism.
We construct the Sixth Form timetable around the choices made by individual students, and do our best to enable all to study their preferred combination of subjects. However, we cannot guarantee that all permutations will be possible. In Year 12 students study 4 AS subjects. In Year 13 they may continue with all 4 subjects to gain 4 A levels or drop one subject so they gain 3 A levels with one AS.
Students are also offered the opportunity to complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which enables students to complete a longer piece of work (approximately 5,000 words) on a topic of their choice. Each student who elects to complete an extended project is appointed an individual tutor who helps them plan the research and structure the final piece of work. We consider this qualification is an excellent preparation for university, allowing students to develop independent study skills and display a real interest in a specific area. Of the nine students who completed the EPQ in 2012, 6 achieved A* grades in a wide range of essays including ‘A Description of the Mechanism Responsible for RNA Interference’ and ‘To what extent was the Diadochi’s Succession of Alexander’s Empire typical of the Ancient World?’. Further details can be found here.
We pride ourselves on excellent, small group teaching and one-to-one support when required, whilst every student is viewed as an individual with individual needs. A great deal of time and effort is invested to ensure that each student is settled and able to work effectively. Tutor groups are small to allow effective pastoral care.
The breadth of the extra-curricular programme is impressive. In addition to many academic societies, students can become involved in diverse activities and leadership schemes to help develop their personal skills and to broaden their horizons. Examples include mentoring younger pupils, becoming a Prefect, House Captain or an Outdoor Pursuits leader. All students have a weekly activities afternoon, which in addition to the usual sports has 19 different options to choose from ranging from ‘Art for Fun’ to completing a lifeguard qualification. We believe that there is something for everyone to participate in during a Wednesday afternoon but all Year 12 students will also attend the Forum/Focus enrichment programme on Thursday mornings, which provide a range of visiting speakers.
Our Sixth Form facilities include a modern, well-resourced library for personal study, a Common Room for relaxation and a designated Sixth Form cafe. Students have their own businesslike dress code, which recognises that they are young adults. They also take responsibility for some decision making and organisation via the Sixth Form Committee, a group that represents the wishes of the Sixth Form, selected by their fellow students. The friendship, warmth and purposeful atmosphere here is very special.